Tiger Woods' bid to win the US PGA and an automatic Ryder Cup spot have been put on ice in stormy St Louis.

The former world No.1 needs his first Major victory in over a decade to qualify for the top eight in Jim Furyk's team.

But the American superstar revealed he spent Monday in an ice bath to ease his aching 42-year-old body – and then torrential rain yesterday saw him squeeze in only five practice holes on a course he has never played.

Woods, who finished tied 31st at the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational on Sunday, said: “I needed that day off.

"Yesterday was I spent a few times in the ice bath just trying to get some inflammation down and just trying to get ready for the rest of the week. And a lot of stretching.

"The inflammation was everywhere. I'm 42 now, and I've had four back surgeries.”

Woods practised with Jim Furyk (Image: Getty Images North America)

Woods has never played the Bellerive Country Club as he was injured for the BMW Championship in 2008 and the 2001 WGC-Amex was cancelled because of 9/11. “I literally haven't step foot on this golf course since that week,” he said.

Woods will be in Paris next month as Ryder Cup vice-captain – or a wildcard. Before the final qualifying event for the US team, he was asked if he would pick himself.

“I think he's trying to get into the top-eight,” said the world No.51. “I'm trending. And I like my chances in match play.”

The American also liked his chances of wining the Open after a stunning bunker shot at the 10th at Carnoustie before he fell from the top of the leaderboard.

“I thought that was the tournament,” he admitted. “I didn't win the tournament, but the fact that I was able to hit that shot was pretty special.”

The American needs a first major win in a decade for an automatic Ryder Cup spot (Image: Getty Images North America)

His latest comeback has been shots of old brilliance but not yet his former consistency over 72 holes.

Woods, a four-time PGA champion, said: “Hopefully I can put myself back up there again and hopefully win my fifth.”

He will play with two-time winner Rory McIlroy and defending champion Justin Thomas in the opening two rounds.

The Ulsterman said: “You certainly get thrown at the deep end straight away in a group like that.

"I think what Justin and I just have to accept that 75 percent of the people that are out there watching are watching one guy in that group and that's it. But it's going to be fun.”